Friday, January 26, 2007

Yep, another entry on books!

I finished reading Cranford, the Christmas gift from my eldest. It was a very enjoyable book and completely unlike Elizabeth Gaskell's other works. It was highly enjoyable and I found myself reading with a smile on my face. The write-up at Amazon is accurate:

"A gently comic picture of life in an English country town in the mid-nineteenth century, Cranford describes the small adventures of Miss Matty and Miss Deborah, two middle- aged spinster sisters striving to live with dignity in reduced circumstances. Rich with humor and filled with vividly memorable characters—including the dignified Lady Glenmire and the duplicitous showman Signor Brunoni—Cranford is a portrait of kindness, compassion, and hope."

In the back and front are other essays on English country life and Elizabeth Gaskell herself. After reading these I am now even more interested in reading her, Life of Charlotte Bronte. After all, she did know her and they lived such interesting, if not exceedingly different lives than we ourselves live today. I look forward to it!

My daughter recently asked me who I would prefer meeting in person if I was able to, Jane Austen or Elizabeth Gaskell. I was hard pressed to answer her.

I have yet to finish Republic, but I will. It is a little dry and I have yet to figure out what makes it quite so "Great." I am determinded to read the "Great Books" that I will be hoisting on my own children later in their schooling career. :+) I will be sure to fill you in should I discover the golden gem at the end of the Plato Rainbow. In my own reading queue are two of the most famous "must-reads", Iliad and The Odyssey. I figure if I can watch the poorly acted Troy, I had better find out the real story since we all know what Hollywood can do to one.

So what is in your reading pile? At least good old Plato knows how to help a girl get to sleep...

5 comments:

Dana
said...

you post on your latest reads. I have written many down with a few of your comments. My reading pile isn't diminishing anytime soon. I am plodding my with through The RareJewel of Christian Contentment - published by Purtian Paperbacks. Why do I do this to myself? Oi....

My easy read is 3 weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks. He describes his travels around the world with his bro and their childhood. I've read a few of his other books. This one gives you reference into the charaters he picks.

methinks i shall try and find a copy of the Gaskill book. it looks right up my alley. i *really* hope you are able to pick something up by Southworth (preferably Ishmael). Coie and I are about to dive into the works of Charles Paul de Kock. An 1800's French author who was very popular in his time (known for his witty stories of Parisian life) I'll let you know how it is!

We are listening to/reading Padric Colum's The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy. It's a great retelling of a great story for kids. Other than what I read to the kiddos, I hardly ever read for myself--too busy.

About Me

How does one define themselves? I am a Christian wife, mother, homeschooler, and an independent reviewer. There are so many hats I wear it is hard to narrow it down.

I love sound reformed theology, the study of our logical God in the world around us, the study of HIStory, creation, and the beauty God gives us. I believe in the mercy of a loving Savior. I believe He went to the cross for my sins--and for those who turn to Him in repentance! I am constantly amazed by His goodness.

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